Peter talks to Paul Smith all things LFC.
Hello Paul, firstly it was a very disappointing result in South Wales but what were your thoughts on the team performance?
The expectation before the game was 3 points and nothing else. For me the first 30 min said it all it felt like can someone push the fast forward button to get us going. There was no enthusiasm or go in us at all. The sharpness and energeticness we see and seen the week before. Where was that we looked a totally different team. We didn’t want to be there. Not just on the pitch but watching again there was nothing from the manager either. Very disappointing night.
The substitutes bench wasn’t the strongest on Monday with no “game changing” players should Liverpool be looking to strengthen now this has been highlighted?
It’s a long addressed situation that I think won’t change anytime soon. There are players for me who could have some sort of impact from our bench but they’re all out on loan. Ryan Kent Marko Grujic Shelvey Ojo Divock origi. Player who want the chance but aren’t given it. On the other hand are doing quite well at there loan clubs. It’s mad the way selling one player can make you question the bench. It did look dire. We’ve been linked with a list of players who could change our bench but the money there asking will only get you one. We need about 3-4 players in my opinion
Not many players stood out but who was your MOM against Swansea?
Virgil van Dijk he looked the only composed player on the park for us. Showed his leadership. Commanded his area used the ball well got forward and tried to encourage players. Same no one else could do the same.
Do you think Klopp will go with a full strength team against WBA in the FA Cup?
Not sure how he can change it. Unless he’s looking at resting or anyone has picked up a injury. For me the Fa cup has to be a priority this year. We can say yer it’s only West Brom but they will make it difficult as they did last month. Maybe even look at a replay. I do expect us to be strong.
What changes would you make to the team on Saturday ?
If any of bring lallana in for Wijnaldum just to give us that little bit more creativity. Maybe give Trent Alexander Arnold a go for Gomez. There probably the only 2 unless there was any injuries from Monday night.
How important is it to bounce back straight away on Saturday?
First and foremost you have to go straight after West Brom and give the fans another performance and show that Swansea was a one off. At home we have been ruthless and starting with Saturday we have to start again by showing we mean business.
Liverpool v WBA score prediction and why please?
At this moment in time the lads will be hurting. I expect us to come out all guns blazing but the longer the game goes on at 0-0 I just hope we don’t burn ourselves out. Or will we be patient like Monday. Need to score first early If possible then it will be a couple. But I’ll take a 1-0 right now Up the reds YNWA
Big thanks to Paul for the Q&A on FOL.